Keir Starmer's Backers Launch 'Block Andy Burnham' Campaign to Thwart Manchester Mayor's Parliamentary Re-entry
Key supporters of Labour leader Keir Starmer have reportedly set in motion a concerted initiative to block Andy Burnham, the Labour Party Greater Manchester Mayor, from securing a comeback to the House of Commons. This move follows the stepping down of a Manchester MP, which has prompted an impending by-election.
Major Hurdles in the Candidate Selection Process
A number of figures on the party's ruling national executive committee (NEC) have reportedly suggested it would be extremely difficult for Mr. Burnham to navigate the selection process. This is primarily due to the sizable number of supporters of the Prime Minister on the committee who are keen to avert any future challenge to Starmer's leadership.
The Labour hierarchy reportedly mobilised following the announcement of the MP's intended resignation, with party figures and MPs voicing warnings about the considerable expense and electoral danger of a subsequent election for mayor in Greater Manchester.
The Mayor's Aspirations and Internal Disquiet
Andy Burnham has made no secret of his political ambitions. Previously, he caused outrage within No 10 and among cabinet ministers when he remarked that numerous MPs had encouraged him to run for the party leadership.
It has long been believed that he is seeking a seat in the Commons to possibly contest the party leadership if a contest to Sir Keir emerge. However, allies of the Mayor have cautioned against overstating the level of any scheming, stating he is deeply committed to his current role and would solely re-enter national politics if he felt he had a meaningful contribution to make.
"People want to paint him as scheming and plotting but that’s absolutely not where he is. He loves being mayor of Manchester. It would only ever be an option if felt he had something to offer," a source close to Burnham remarked.
Political Landscape and Public Approval
Against a backdrop of opinion polls suggesting Sir Keir is struggling in the polls and many MPs pessimistic about Labour's fate at the next election, Andy Burnham is seen as the only prominent Labour figure with favourable public approval ratings.
Should Mr. Burnham choose to stand, several hurdles stand in his way. He would need to be selected by the NEC—where the odds are stacked against him—and then win the byelection against challenges from Reform UK and independent candidates, all before any potential bid for the leadership.
Efforts to Block Burnham
High-ranking Labour figures have indicated that a "Stop Andy" operation is already in progress, with the party machinery being tightly controlled by senior aides of the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister personally said that the byelection process was in its "initial phases" and told his MPs to stop talking about potential contests for the leadership.
Andy Burnham, commenting before the MP's departure was finalised, told reporters: "People shouldn’t rush to conclusions. I have been very focused on my role as mayor of Greater Manchester."
Costs and Risks
Figures on the committee have reportedly cited not only personal animosity towards Mr. Burnham but also the prohibitive cost of a by-election for mayor in Greater Manchester. This could divert an estimated £500,000 in party funding from other crucial elections across the country.
"It is deeply selfish of Andy to want to run for this – costing us tens of thousands we don’t have and diverting activist resources... It is absurd beyond description and cannot be allowed," one source said.
A number of insiders also expressed fears about Reform UK potentially fill any vacancy left by Mr. Burnham, which would represent a major political win for them.
Union Influence and Democratic Concerns
Being an elected mayor, Mr. Burnham would require the NEC's permission to run. There is also speculation the body could enforce an all-female shortlist to prevent his candidacy.
However, a supporter counselled against assuming the NEC would simply reject him, despite Sir Keir's team is largely believed to control it.
The trade unions occupy a significant proportion of seats on the NEC. While the largest unions are for now remaining quiet, insiders indicated they would be opposed to anything seen as meddling from Downing Street.
The general secretary of the Fire Brigades Union stated: "It would be a democratic outrage if Andy Burnham was blocked... Our union will fiercely resist any attempts to stitch up the selection. It’s vital that there is a full and open democratic procedure."
By-election Battle
The seat in question holds a considerable Labour lead. However, Reform is expected to launch a significant challenge, capitalising on support in one part of the constituency. Labour believes it is on stronger footing in the larger Greater Manchester section, though it could face a challenge from independent candidates.
If Mr. Burnham return to parliament, he would need the support of 80 Labour MPs to launch a bid for the leadership, a hurdle that is not guaranteed given he is viewed with scepticism by a number of on the parliamentary party.
The departing MP confirmed he was stepping down due to deteriorating health, which had made it impossible for him to continue in his role. He also remains under a parliamentary standards investigation related to his membership in an inappropriate online group.
